Even the
highest-ranking members of the Buddhist church rode on horseback. This
saddle was created specifically for a high lama. Sumptuous brocaded
yellow silk covers the seat, side skirts, stirrup pads, and underpad.
Yellow was a color worn by the Buddhist clergy and was also a color
associated with imperial favor. All the fittings of this saddle are
silver, and the straps that hang down on each side are tightly woven,
tasseled cords of silk.